In a ceremony fitting for an individual whose extended family was her ZHS Lady Eagles Soccer teammates, Rachael Fiege’s #14 number and her ZHS soccer jersey was officially retired at half time of the Zionsville High School game Monday night. Rachael was inducted into the ZCHS Hall of Fame.
Rachael passed away on August 22, 2013, only her second day on campus as an incoming freshman at Indiana University, after sustaining an undetected traumatic brain injury.
Until Monday, no number had ever been retired for the Lady Eagles, but Fiege's coach thought it fitting as a team tribute to a friend and soccer standout.
While this honor is unprecedented, Rachael’s passion for soccer started when she was just five years old and never wavered. Rachael enjoyed playing the defender position for Zionsville High School, being selected to play for the Indiana Soccer's Olympic Development Program (ODP) State team, and also playing for various club teams throughout her career.
Her family is using their daughter's death to create a positive change for students by helping others make good choices. "Rachael's First Week" is a program they created and advocate for high school and college students, to keep them safe.
See full stories by Channel13 and Fox59